California History, Part 3

Question 1: Trace and analyze the reasons of overall migration to California decade by decade from 1920s-1960s.

Answer 1: With the discovery of oil in 1920, California saw a natural rise in migration. Oil was the most lucrative industry at that time. Movie studios set up shop in California because the state offered various terrain, thereby allowing the movie industry the ability to capture aspects of different parts of the world within hours (versus days) and cheaply. This produced aspiring actors and people dreaming of being a part of that business. The 1930s brought 300,000 migrants from the Dust Bowl who were looking for work during the Great Depression. During World War II, California housed military bases, factories, and shipyards—expanding many cities. Soon, developers bought cheap land and sold it for a big profit. Technology took off in 1950, with computers and subsequently, video games. Education was the focus in 1960s as California developed professional universities through a Master Plan for Higher Education. This contributed an even more educated workforce. Between 1940 and 1990, twelve million people migrated to California in search of a better life.

There are lots of good resources about California History that you can find available.

Question 2: Discuss the positive and negative aspects of initiative, referendum, and recall and how they have been used since implementation.

Answer 2: Initiative: Initiative, a means by which a petition signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters can force a public vote, was part of the reforms initiated during the Progressive Era in 1911. That year, the people of California used initiative to print an unbiased newspaper because they wanted an even playing field for all political parties. This newspaper failed due to a boycott led by their competition who printed a more slanted view. 1914 was the first time a statewide initiative was implemented; their efforts eliminated the poll tax. Referendum: Referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. Many Californians like having referendum when they want to object to government policy. The downfall of referendum is that if it is used too frequently, it may lead to ‘voter fatigue’ and disappointing turnout.Recall: Recall is the ability to remove elected officials. The recall process became available to Californians in 1911 during the Progressive Era. Before the successful recall of Gray Davis in 2003, no California statewide official had ever been recalled, though there had been 117 previous attempts. Only seven of those even made it onto the ballot, all for state legislators.

Question 3: Explain the transportation monopoly in California and the middle class’ desire for change.

Answer 3: By 1900 the Southern Pacific railway overshadowed the other railways in California by 85 and owned many other forms of transportation as well, thus effectively creating a monopoly. Tension rose and reformers objected to the supremacy of the railroad, giving rise to the Progressive Movement aimed at changing the corrupt political environment that allowed the railroad to use political and economic authority to avoid government control. Many authority figures owned part of the railroad, making it difficult to change the monopoly. Railroad authorities would arrange nominations of pro-railroad candidates for election. The monopoly affected everything, including prices, availability of goods, farmers, and families.

Previous: California History, Part 2 - Next: Cambodia and Laos

Flashcard Secrets provides test preparation products for a variety of examinations - all trademarks are property of their respective trademark owners.

3827 Phelan #179

Beaumont, TX 77707